Pitfalls in headache management.

The diagnosis of serious causes of headache depends on a careful history, a high index of suspicion of the unusual presentations and the judicious use of CT scanning. It is important not to overlook subarachnoid haemorrhage, intracerebral haemorrhage, meningitis, cerebral tumours, cerebral malformations and giant cell arteritis. Iatrogenic causes such as drugs and spinal procedures should also be considered.